Waterfront workshops scheduled for Penticton, Oliver

November 1, 2016

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is scheduling a pair of workshops in the South Okanagan focused on lakefront, wetland and creek-side properties and how owners can preserve the unique features their property locations provide.

The workshops will involve three experts, who will discuss why we need to care about protecting our shoreline habitats.

The introductory workshops will show property owners how to recognize and maintain healthy habitats along our shorelines and riparian areas.

According to the RDOS, workshop participants will gain an understanding of:

the function of riparian areas and how they contribute to ecosystem health and water quality;

regulations for homeowners along waterways, shorelines and beach fronts, as they protect both the land value and biological value of waterfront properties. Regulations can differ depending on where you live, therefore the information will be specific to each location

landscaping with easy-care, hardy native plants, shrubs and trees suitable to plant along the shoreline to act as buffers and to protect banks from erosion

invasive species, aquatic/ terrestrial species information and control

The first introductory workshops in this series will be held:

In Penticton, November 5, 2016 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (101 Martin St.); and,

Waterside property owners are encouraged to attend the free workshops. Interested property owners are also encouraged to watch for information on ‘Hands on’ neighbourhood field days that will follow these workshops beginning in the spring of 2017.

The workshops are a partnership with the RBC Blue Water Project Grant Fund and the South Okanagan and Similkameen Conservation Program.

For more information and to register contact: Coordinator Eva Antonijevic at evaantonijevic@gmail.com or at 250.486.2303.